For a long time, I kept my beliefs and my original citizenship hidden or concealed. I work with a lot of foreigners. We come from all over the world: Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, and we all have distinct skin tones, customs, and faiths. The majority of folks in my group are Catholics, Christians, and Muslims. Only I am a Buddhist.
“Why be shy?” I reasoned one day. Why not be an outspoken Buddhist? “Why hide the truth?” I ask, and some friends confirm: “I am a Vietnamese Buddhist.” “What do you believe in Buddhism?” someone inquires. “Who established Buddhism?” I realize this is a large subject, but here’s the short answer: “The Buddhism founded by Sakyamuni Buddha.” He was born in India and is nothing more than an enlightened man. He is not a God or a creator. He came into the world to teach people how to take the Middle Path. This method allows us to be free of suffering and liberated. The Dhammapada sums up the Buddha’s teachings:
My friend has never seen me eat meat, and someone has asked, “Are you vegetarian?” “How come?” “Because Buddhists respect all living beings,” I explained. They inquire once more, “Is this the law or request in Buddhism?” “Just advise and have many options for choice,” I said.
Everyone at my desk is busy, but I always ponder, remember, and whisper “Amitabha Buddha” or “Great Heart Tantra.” This is the best approach for me to feel at ease in my profession and maintain my balance; sometimes I lose mindfulness and let an angry explosion hit something unsatisfactorily, and sometimes I do or say terrible or ugly things as well.
Every weekend, I practice Dhamma at my workstation by reading Buddha literature, tantra, or meditation. I study Dhamma from both the Theravada and Mahayana schools. I see numerous distinctions and am undecided. I, too, want to be a Buddhist monk, but it is not simple; I can not let go, and I sometimes feel like a person at a crossroads. I observe the fundamentals of two Buddhist schools: the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, suffering, emptiness, selflessness, impermanence…
I have faith in Buddha and his teachings. I follow and practice Mahayana, but I am also learning Vipassana. Sakyamuni Buddha taught this meditation technique. “Our physical, not purity, being sensitive is suffering, the mind never stops changing, material and mental selflessness,” said Vipassana.
I am no longer shy or afraid. I can affirm, and I am glad to say that I am a Vietnamese Buddhist. I am still content and amicable with everyone at my workplace. Everyone treats me well as well; we work well together and respect one another. We do not mind differences in skin color, culture, or beliefs.
Steven N.